Easley Named Ed Block Courage Award Recipient

Ryan Talbot

01/16/2015

Marcus Easley has overcome quite a few injuries and setbacks in his career. He's shown tremendous strength in overcoming these injuries to become one of the best gunners in the NFL. The Bills recognized Easley's courage and strength by naming him their Ed Block Courage Award recipient.

"Each year, the Ed Block Courage Awards honors those National Football League players who exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. This award is unique in that the recipients are selected solely by a vote of their teammates. Every fall all thirty two teams conduct a vote which results in each team selecting their Ed Block Courage Award recipient for the year."

There aren't many players on the Bills who have shown more courage than Easley. The special teams standout has had to overcome numerous injuries in his career. Before his rookie season in 2010, Easley tore his meniscus and was placed on the injured reserve. The following season, doctors found that Easley had an irregular heartbeat. He was once again placed on the injured reserve. In 2012, Easley was released by the Bills and placed on their practice squad. He was brought up to the main roster at the end of the season. Easley was active for all of 2013 and made quite an impact on special teams. He emerged as one of the best gunners in the league during this time. Following the season, Easley underwent knee surgery. After three games this season, Easley suffered a knee injury on his opposite leg. He returned in Week 11 and finished the season by playing 10 games. Pro Football Focus named Easley to their 2014 All-Pro Team as their top gunner.

There's no denying that Easley has shown tremendous courage and strength throughout his career with the Bills.

Easley and 31 other NFL players will be honored on March 16 at the 37th annual national Ed Block Awards Foundation ceremony in Baltimore, Maryland.